On 13 September, the OSCE Secretary General, Thomas Greminger, joined the EUMM for a briefing near Odzisi at the Administrative Boundary Line.

The Secretary General was welcomed by the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM), Erik Høeg, who gave an overview of the present activities of the Mission and challenges to stability. Mr. Høeg, in this context, also highlighted the important role of the OSCE and EUMM as co-facilitators of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meetings in Ergneti. The OSCE Secretary General was briefed on specific dynamics by monitors from the EUMM Field Office in Mtskheta.

Secretary General Greminger thanked the Mission for the chance to see developments at first hand and expressed his appreciation for the role that the EUMM plays in monitoring and responding to events. He also welcomed the excellent cooperation between the EUMM and relevant OSCE units.

“It was important to get for myself impressions and insights into the situation on the ground and daily challenges for the conflict affected populations. We need a pragmatic approach to improve their lives,” said Secretary General Greminger.